"Fortunately, I was able to start taking antiretroviral medications thanks to an AIDSRelief program in Zambia funded by the U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). This program is literally saving my life." LUSAKA, Zambia (CRS) - Last December on World AIDS Day, I gave President Bush a hug. I wanted to thank him and the American people who are making an incredible difference in the lives of millions living with HIV, including mine. Years ago, I wasn't doing so well. I had lost my husband to AIDS and expected to meet the same fate. My CD4 count - which measures the health of your immune system - was a mere 30 when healthy people typically have one of 500 or higher. HIV was taking its toll.